Benefits of Babywearing

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it provides a glimpse into the many benefits of wearing your baby in a HAVA baby sling!

Babywearing helps babies feel content and safe. One study showed
that worn babies cried 40 - 50% less than the norm. Not carrying
infants may predispose them to crying and colic.

Babywearing is convenient for outings. Wearing your baby means
there is no heavy carrier to lug around and no bulky stroller to
navigate with.

Babywearing encourages mothers to respond more to their babies.
One study showed that mothers who wore their babies were more responsive
to their infants' vocalizations.

Babywearing allows parents to have evenings out at adult
gatherings. With baby awake and content in the sling, or settled down
to sleep, parents are free to enjoy their evening out.

Babywearing encourages language development. Placing baby on the
level of adult conversation and eye contact is the perfect spot for
learning.

Babywearing gives parents a boost in confidence. A happy baby
makes parents feel more competent and at ease. Parents are able to
sense what is wrong with baby when they stir, because baby is right next
to them. Meeting needs before baby becomes upset results in a more
relaxed parent.

Babywearing helps babies thrive. Close to their milk supply,
babies nurse more frequently. As a result of there being shorter time
between feedings, the breast milk is higher in healthy fat. Frequent
feedings of higher fat milk may help babies gain more weight. Worn
babies also spend less energy fussing for feedings, so their bodies can
devote more energy to growing!

Babywearing allows parents to have two free hands for day to day
tasks while providing comfort to baby. With baby more content, parents
are free to go about their tasks without as many interruptions

Babywearing supports transitions to other caregivers. Encouraging
caregivers to wear baby in the sling helps baby, as they are able to
feel the familiar security of being close to a loving adult.

Babywearing is great for preemies. One study showed that wearing
preterm babies skin-to-skin helped them cry less, have more quiet sleep,
and maintain healthier temperature.

Babywearing reduces instances of plagiocephaly (abnormal head
shape). Wearing your infant means less time with pressure against their
head due to hard carriers, car seat and swings.

Babywearing helps mothers feel happier. One study showed that
mothers of pre-term babies who wore them skin-to-skin reported less
depression than traditionally cared for babies.

Babywearing is great for baby's digestion. Wearing baby
encourages frequent, smaller breastfeeding sessions. This, combined
with the motion of being worn improves digestion.

Babywearing helps babies develop security. One study found that
babies who are worn by their mothers are more secure when left with a
stranger.

Babywearing feels better for the parent. Carrying baby in your
arms without a sling is tiring. Worn properly, a sling provides much
needed support.

Babywearing aids parents of older children when a new baby is
welcomed into the family. With baby content in the sling, mom or dad
are free to parent older children while bonding with the new baby.

Babywearing supports breastfeeding. Wearing baby encourages them
to nurse and allows for easier, discreet breastfeeding in public. More
attention is drawn to a baby who is crying frantically to nurse. With
baby worn close in a sling, mother is able to quietly respond to early
feeding cues beneath the privacy of the sling.

Babywearing is great for mental and psychomotor development. One
study showed higher scores for babies worn skin-to-skin on the Bayley
Mental Developmental Index and the Psychomotor Developmental Index.

Babywearing gives parents the freedom to bring their babies to
their place of employment or to their volunteer activities, as they are
able to care for them while they go about their work.

Babywearing gives parents freedom while out. Strollers are hard
to navigate through some areas and difficult to push through sand or
wood chips at the playground. With baby in a sling, parents are able to
get where they need to at the mall and help their active toddlers at
the park.

Babywearing is excellent for baby's development. Equivalent to
"tummy time," wearing your baby allows their balance to improve and
their muscles to strengthen as they respond to your movements.

Babywearing helps parents have flexibility with sleep schedules.
Wearing baby is a great way to lull baby to sleep no matter where you
are.